JULIAN SPERONI isn’t just lapping up life in the Premier League – he is a television star in his native Argentina as well.

After thousands of Argentinians tuned in to watch Crystal Palace’s clash with Manchester United last week, all eyes will again be on the Palace goalkeeper as his side face Swansea this afternoon – particularly those of his family.

Speroni was virtually a forgotten man back home after Palace dropped into the Championship, which is not shown on Argentinian television.

He explains: “It’s Premier League or nothing else in Argentina, which was a bit of a pain for my family. They just didn’t get to see anything of me or the Championship.”

That’s why Speroni, Palace’s player of the year three times during a seven-year rollercoaster spell at the club, was so desperate to get back into the big time with the London club.

I wanted to succeed here because I love everything about English football

Julian Speroni

“Everyone knows what it means to be in the Premier League – more money, more gates, more television, more everything,” he says.

“And my family are a lot happier being able to see me every week.”

It’s the biggest stage he’s been on and Speroni is determined to make the most of it.

“I’d watch the Premier League in Argentina and I always wanted to try my luck here.

“I have never been tempted to go home.

“I wanted to succeed here because I love everything about English football.”